RX8 Mini Project

[WE3RX7]

Since I'm basically locked down in the house instead of the garage for the next few weeks, you all get to suffer through my endless babble of modifications and works performed on my RX8 as well :)

This is RX8 #2 for me. The first was boosted, loads of fun, but also - loads of headache. With this car, I want simple power with the reliability to make it to the store and the weekend races. I bought it two years ago with 32k on the clock. It was a leased car prior to my ownership, so the car was mostly well cared for mechanically, but the *cough* woman *cough* driver must have some really huge assed diamond rings to scar up the shift knob and a severe lack of parallel parking skills. All four wheels were curb rashed, and the car had a few scratches, but I was able to use all of this to my advantage come negotiations.

Here she is when I got it home about a month before DGRR '08:
http://www.findtuners.com/rx8/rx8_new.jpg

On the day I test drove it, it tossed a CEL too, so the dealership was eager to get rid of it.


Turns out the CEL was only a misfire. Cleared it and all has been fine since. Upon further inspection, I discovered it was leaking oil at the pan, and from the rear of the trans. I wasn't able to resolve these issues prior to DGRR '08 and those around me were very aware of the smell, lol. Sorry.

Shots at DGRR '08:
http://www.findtuners.com/rx8/bill_dgrr.jpg
http://www.findtuners.com/rx8/dgrr_2.jpg

I also managed top pop a front sway bar end link prior to the event as well which proved lots of fun on the 70-80mph sweepers leading to the gap.
http://www.findtuners.com/rx8/broken_end_link.jpg

I arrived home and got the guys at my local dealership (whom I'm friends with) to remedy the oil pan leak and replace the rear trans seal. All has been good since.

[12arotary]

why did you get rid of the boosted 8?

[WE3RX7]

So DGRR '08 being the maiden voyage, got home and started to really address a few things that really bothered me.

First, flushed the coolant system and the rear diff.

Next, I had tackle the sway bar issue. I didnt' want to just put factory links back on (I had broken these in my protege as well and find them sub-par). I ordered up a new racing beat front sway and solid links. This was when I decided the car would start to serve me as the autocross ride until my FC is ready for track duty.

Got everything in, had the then puppy check it all out:
http://www.findtuners.com/rx8/rb-fr1.jpg

Drilled out the bar to accept the larger links:
http://www.findtuners.com/rx8/rb-fr3.jpg

Installed everything:
http://www.findtuners.com/rx8/rb-fr5.jpg

[WE3RX7]

The boosted 8 was jaded... long story short, when I got it, the original owner was running an e-manage... that got tossed for an interceptor-x which worked great, but the damage was done... it eventually had hot start issues and lower compression, a friend of mine wanted the car so he got it, I started to rebuild the engine for him at which time he fell on hard times and defaulted on his car note. I got stuck with the engine and many parts which he gave me to pay for labor, etc. I sold off almost everything I had of that car left (mostly to phil, lol) and moved on. My buddy is good now though, although he went back to the bmw world now...

[WE3RX7]

After the sway bar and links were taken care of, next up were some brakes. The stock brakes are good on the rx8, but for some autocross, I wanted a bit more bite.

I installed some Hawk HP pads, Stoptech rotors, russell ss lines and speed bleeders. I had to replace my passenger rear caliper all together due to a frozen bleeder - I hate working on northern cars.

To top it off, I coated the calipers with G2 caliper paint and flushed the whole system and now run AP550 race fluids...

http://www.findtuners.com/rx8/hawk_front.jpg
http://www.findtuners.com/rx8/russell_bleeders.jpg
http://www.findtuners.com/rx8/G2caliper_paint.jpg
http://www.findtuners.com/rx8/done_front.jpg

[vex]

gah... I feel the need to spend money I don't have. Darn you Bill!

[WE3RX7]

To round out 2009, I added some 18x8.5 Enkei NT03M with Kumho XS rubber, just in time for DGRR09

http://www.findtuners.com/rx8/dgrr_rx8.jpg
http://www.findtuners.com/rx8/dgrr_rx82.jpg

I also added a k&n filter back a year ago (no pics, really... who wants pics of that) and some pillar appliques, just to clean things up - not sure when though, lol..

I made my first race with this car in May '09:
http://www.findtuners.com/rx8/524VMP_2fb.jpg

My bro-in-law sprayed my helmet for me :)
http://www.findtuners.com/rx8/custom_helmet.jpg


Random event shots, made 4 races in '09.. looking for at least 8 this year but not off to a good start..

http://www.findtuners.com/rx8/rx8_autox1.jpg
http://www.findtuners.com/rx8/rx8_autox2.jpg
http://www.findtuners.com/rx8/relaxed_auto.jpg

Took the car up to KDR for some dyno time and to drool over Brian's FC some more...

At this point, the only performances enhancements were the K&N, RB plug wires and new OE NGK plugs.
http://www.findtuners.com/rx8/rx8dyno1.jpg
http://www.findtuners.com/rx8/rx8dyno2.jpg

Made 180whp. That closes out '09. It was a good year, but things are changing for 2010... for the better...

[WE3RX7]

So for 2010, lots of changes. I found out my wife and I will be having our first child in October this year... so why does that matter for the rx8..... well...

I'm giving up my Jeep for a more family oriented SUV, which means my wife will no longer be using the rx8 regularly... thus I will. And anybody who knows me, knows I cant drive a stock car for TOOOO long. I held off doing more work to the rx8 for many reasons, but a big one is now going away. I still plan to keep it fairly simple as my focus is to complete the FC but I do want a bit more out of the rx8 now.

I plan to compete in circuitcross events, auto-x and hopefully at least one HPDE, so more mods are coming.

First on the list is to install my new LS2 coils. I have everything I need now, just waiting for two working hands and some time...
http://www.findtuners.com/rx8/ls2coil.jpg

I also picked up an AP dual resonated midpipe which will be going on shortly.
http://www.findtuners.com/rx8/ap_midpipe.jpg

I want to get these on prior to DGRRX. If it all works out, these will be on, I will make it back to Dave's for some more drooling and dyno time and my new goal is 190whp, but I'm thinking I'll fall closer to 186whp, still not bad.

Also on board, just not installed are a set of JIC FLTA2 coilovers and some tint!! If I get no sleep for the days leading up to DGRR I may even have them on... it would be nice to have the setup ready.. but we'll see...

[WE3RX7]

gah... I feel the need to spend money I don't have. Darn you Bill!


Lol... nah, you're good. You should come by some time when you're through culpeper again... I want to see how you're coming along!!

[WE3RX7]

So the cast came off but the arm is still pretty useless, lol... In true fashion to other forum members, I am pushing a bunch of crap at the last minute before DGRR.

On saturday I managed to get an oil change, installed a 2007 starter (holy crap what a HUGE difference) and my AP mid pipe. Sounds simple, but that took all day really. The starter wasnt a big deal, but my lovely northern car under body and lack of strength in my left arm resulted in extra hours getting the midpipe on. My buddy came to the rescue with an o2 wrench set and a swivel sockets. The exhaust studs were so rotted on it even broke a snap on impact socket...

I ended running out and getting new grade 8 hardware which soaked up more time out of the day.


I'll get some pics up shortly...

[WE3RX7]

On Sunday, my buddy and his brother and I spent the better half of the day tearing into more RX8s. I scored the set of JICs I had from my old RX8 that were then on his RX8 so we had to swap suspensions around on those cars, along with some hubs, brakes, etc. Unfortunately, I had to run out on him early and we didn't get a chance to install them on my car, yet.... Somewhat ironic that I started with this suspension on a difference RX8 almost 4 years ago and they are finding their way back to me.

The "old" RX8, now donor, future project (straight body... no poweplant/suspension... maybe a drag car??)
http://www.findtuners.com/rx8/donor8.jpg

My buddy's '05 (now for sale... thats why all the goodies come off and go on my car :) )
http://www.findtuners.com/rx8/jon8_1.jpg

He's not drunk, I swear:
http://www.findtuners.com/rx8/jon8_2.jpg


The rear of my old but soon to be new to me again suspension:
http://www.findtuners.com/rx8/jic_1.jpg


Today I managed to detail the car and get it ready for the trip. If all works out I should be installing my GM coils tomorrow with new plug wires and MAYBE get the suspension on, but we'll see... even if the coilovers dont make it to DGRR this year, they'll close the 2.2 second gap in NASA-X "D" class I have right now with some M3s, lol..

[THE_REAPER]

thats a nice rx8, good car . i have a question for ya. i was just looking at an rx8 today for the 3 rotor motor the 20b i think, it had a nice set of webber carbs on it, it was non turbo it looks like someone put in some time and $ in this car, now the motor and tranny and the rearend were good but body was beat up pretty bad got rear ended but the motor was low mileage. they were asking like $5,000 is that a good price for the car. "i mostly want it for the motor and tranny cause ive seen some vids on what the 20b cant do, and then part out the rest???? sorry i dont have any pics of it to give ya an idea of if its worth the money

[JShiz]

^If you don't buy it, I will.

[vex]

Tell your friend I'll take the 8 for $5!

[WE3RX7]

Lol, $5k is tough to say honestly - condition of motor/hours of run time (if its a drag setup).. if the body damage is cosmetic only (no frame issues) then its probably worth it. Shells sell for $2k to $7k alone depending on condition/work performed.


Sorry Tyler - that gray car isn't going anywhere. There are plans brewing :)

[THE_REAPER]

The motor has about 5k on it since being build. The guy said the old owner had the motor completely build up for street racing before he was rear ended and gave up on it. This motor starts and runs great sounds real mean even with a full exhaust to quiet it down. Every things there to swap it out to mine. Looks like all msd stuff the engine bay has been gutted out no ac no heat nothing but the motor with one thick a$$ alt, water pump, belt looked like 2" i want it lol going up there today try and talk him down a little on the price.

[WE3RX7]

So to update.

Midpipe was installed after having to buy the front gasket, but managing to find a brand new one my gasket bin (I love having this crap laying around sometimes... that was a $32 gasket!)... and replacing ALL the hardware because it pretty much all broke. The sound is "OK" for now. Simply based on the fact that AP uses thin wall pipe I pretty much knew it would be a bit to "tin" sounding for my taste but it definitely drops some weight and has a good noticeable power gain over 7K RPM. The pipe reminds me of earlier FB cars w/ mindtrain exhausts, lol.

After a while though I was concerned about the heat shielding (lack there of) on the pipe and the sound so I wrapped the pipe about 3/4 of the way down. It has definitely helped drop the under car temps a bit and the sound is more muffled to my liking. Not sure of any performance gains but it does help to keep the car cooler underneath. I know some people have issues w/ exhaust wrap, but personally I've never had rusting/moisture problems and if the pipe DOES crack... I'll just weld it again,lol. Dyno on that to come...


Got the coilovers on about a month ago. Still need to dial everything in, especially the rear... but its a big improvement. I did however manage to break a camber bolt and proceed to cuss and scream profanities until my head turned blue because EVERY bolt on the underside of this car that I seem to touch is a time bomb.. I will NEVER buy a northern car again, lol..

The front is set at midway soft/hard and rear is at full hard right now until I get the alignment where I want it and can do some more adjustments.

Next is still finishing up the coil system. I still get a random misfire code from time to time as well that I'd like to resolve. That should be done in the next few weeks. Once those are on, I plan to join Brian (TTT) at some point at KDR for some dyno testing.

Here's a shot of the car as it sits now.

http://www.findtuners.com/rx8/rx8_lowered.jpg

[WE3RX7]

So feeling pretty good with the car minus the lack of suspension tuning.. I started laying out my next plans. I've got auto-x school on the 11th of July and my next race isnt until October (yea.. NASA cancelled a lot of events this year :( )

My next steps after getting the suspension setup, corner balancing and the coil/ignition squared away is going to be tint. The car is friggin HOT in the summer with black interior!

Then its an accessport. I really want to log some information on this car and get a little more out of it with that midpipe!

I've got the exedy clutch waiting to go in as well, so I'm going to source a flywheel for it and get that in sometime later this fall (if the stock clutch holds out until then). I plan to throw some synchro savers on at that time too.

So by my October race the car should have:
- Suspension done
- Ignition done
- Exedy clutch / unknown flywheel
- TINT
- Synchro saver
- Accessport

I think this will keep me "happy" for a while. I'm hoping with the ignition, clutch/flywheel, AP tuner I can get it up to the 194-196whp range (up 14-16whp from 180whp last time).

Its by no means a monster, but it should be a great cone smasher. The only mods after that might be a catback and then all the safety equip-- seats, bar, etc....

[WE3RX7]

All the above mods would be starting really soon, but today... on the drive home from work.... BAM, limp mode!!!!

I'm so used to RX cars doing this crap it doesn't really phase me anymore, lol. I'm a bit bummed out that I had to limp the car home, but at least the motor survived!

Basically... on startup it seemed great, but after 2min or less the CEL starting blinking and it felt like one-rotor power. I went through $10 in gas in 10 miles!!! It was sputtering and backfiring like CRAZY.

Since I've thrown many misfire codes in the past, I was thinking for sure a coil either finally ate it OR my o2 was bad.

Ran by my buddies shop, because he has all those "fancy" tools, lol.. we pulled everything up and sure enough.. killed the o2 sensor!!

I'm not sure if the sensor just died, or if the heat/wrap from the midpipe killed it. I'd like to maybe pinpoint what may have caused the failure so I can resolve it before getting another sensor in there.

Anyways... I'm on vacation for a while, so the "prissy little bitch" as TTT would put it can sit in the garage until I get back!



Here's a shot of the greatest diagnostic tool I've ever seen a person have at HOME! My buddy runs a shop out of his home at night so he doesn't skimp on the goods. Windows based, full diagnostic tool for EVERY make/model, lol.

http://www.findtuners.com/rx8/joshs_toy.jpg

[project86]

I think this will keep me "happy" for a while. I'm hoping with the ignition, clutch/flywheel, AP tuner I can get it up to the 194-196whp range (up 14-16whp from 180whp last time).

Wait a minute.. you mean to tell me that mazda dynos these at 238 and you were making less than 180 to the wheels stock?:o11: that sounds like a bad power drop..........

[reddozen]

He may have some mild compression issues. Typically they're190~200 WHP.

[WE3RX7]

Nope - no compression issues at all at the time of the dyno. The only thing that may have held me back from 181-183whp was the clutch slipping in 4th gear around 7500 or so...

238 is crank power, I had 180whp which puts it closer to 213-220 which is actually ABOVE normal for most stock (at that time) rx8s in '04/'05. Many guys were dynoing in the 170s on a similar dynojet system.

190/200whp is only common on modified 8s, guys with every bolt on and great tuning usually only fall around 210/220whp max with an NA platform. You have to remember that rx8s are a bit finicky on the dyno and even using different dynometer equipment can show a difference of +/- 10whp.

The power numbers arent important, but its getting the baseline and having a healthy motor. Also important to use the same dyno each time you test.

I can post up the chart if anybody wants to see (I thought I already did somewhere...)


I

[project86]

ok i was just curious. i just thought they would be a little more. but no that you mention it i do think i remember hearing that they dyno'd low.

[WE3RX7]

So the problem APPEARS to be coils at this point in time.

The engine has consistent compression and the rear o2 doesn't make sense since it does nothing anyway.

I'm installing my LS2 coils now either way since if it does prove to be coils, this will solve the issue... if not, at least that is done and I can start tracing down what the issue might really be.

I should know by this weekend if the coils solve it... just ordered another set of MSD boots and terminals since I only had 4 to start with and one broke (and you have to buy sets of two with the boots, cant find just the terminal).

Bracket is built and 3 plus wires are complete. I'm taking this time to clean up the engine bay a bit as well though as it was nasty under the airbox and battery tray!

[WE3RX7]

Ah - the coils fixed her right up. I'll post some pics (not that entertaining really) up. Gain about 160 to 180 whp with the LS2 coil upgrade ;)


Now its onto finishing my suspension adjustments, clutch/flywheel and tint lol.

[2gslse]

Ah - the coils fixed her right up. I'll post some pics (not that entertaining really) up. Gain about 160 to 180 whp with the LS2 coil upgrade

Sounds good maybe now you can keep up with this dyno queen.

[WE3RX7]

Ah... its so dirty, but affective! I realized after working on the car how much dirt gets in there from the construction around my house! I planned to clean up a bunch of things and give it a good soaking but was rushed for time. I think later on down the road, I'd like to find a new mounting location for the coils, make a straighter shot to the TB, polish the TB and add some additional heat wrap to some of the components. Thats all later, after the FC is done and I'm shifting focus to putting an REW(20B) in this car, lol....

http://www.findtuners.com/rx8/rx8_ls2coils.jpg
http://www.findtuners.com/rx8/rx8_ls2coils2.jpg

[WE3RX7]

H1M8QeMibrs

Got a race in before the winter. Everything worked out well. Took the car to full rev limit and the coils didn't miss a beat. Suspension, even with the miles, stills seems responsive and dampens correctly so thats a plus.

Things I need to now.... replace clutch, get new tires, lol... and tint. Its so bright in there!!

[WE3RX7]

Got some work to do over the winter. Trying to avoid getting too crazy as the FC still needs a ton of work:

Tint
Clear corners
dyno
lower coilovers
roll fenders
** mazdaspeed cai **
CS 4pt front strut bar
install clutch
flywheel / counterweight
** recaro seat **
** harnesses **
new tires
corner balance
alignment
install rear strut adjusters
modify splash guards
spline drive lug nuts

My goal is to have this done prior to DGRR and hopefully mostly done by Jan 23 (first auto-x).

[2gslse]

Damn bill, my car is closer than yours and its still on jackstands. I'll call you tom. I talked to the guy w/the '79 in the ad.

[WE3RX7]

Yea yea... but I can drive mine while I do all this :)


On another note... I wasn't supposed to be STX on that day. Not sure how I got put there, but I have determined after reading SCCA rules for about an hour that in 2011 I SHOULD be BSP, so that's what I'm going with. Unfortunately, this keeps me with those damned M3s....

[WE3RX7]

Winter projects going slow. I did manage to grab a new seat though...

http://sphotos.ak.fbcdn.net/hphotos-ak-snc4/hs049.snc4/34825_1793583399763_1245020772_2080879_7005524_n.j pg

Just need to wait for the new base and sliders to arrive, but I won't have them in time for the 1/23 race :(

Oh well. More progress to come, need to pay off christmas first!

[WE3RX7]

Picked up an access port finally as well. Plan to do some minor tuning this weekend, work on the splash guards and adjust front suspension...

First event for the year is next weekend 1/23.

[TitaniumTT]

Uh huh.... I see a little dyno war heating up... Oh wait, no it isn't, I'm going to desimate you both! :rofl:

[2gslse]

OK we will gang up on you. 2 on 1 I'll get my half if Bill gets his.

[TitaniumTT]

:rofl: Silly little n/a renni's ;)

[one320fc]

Don't give bill any motive he will take it and run with it! I was told once he fixed a little exhaust leak in his old Protege, to my suprise it was fixed alright when I heard a turbo spool and a BOV let off pressure! Yes jack ass I remember that!!:fawk: Thats my Sparco also dont forget it lol

[WE3RX7]

Hey now - that sparco will look a lot better in the rx8!!

And yes, I will be boosting the rx8 next year.. I've decided. Now, if I keep it a secret at first or not... well, I haven't decided.

We will have that dyno war.. but only MC and I competing, that Motec powered FC of yours is a bit of a ringer...

[2gslse]

I don't know... maybe we can run him N/A like half the epic road trip.

[NoDOHC]

I don't know... maybe we can run him N/A like half the epic road trip.


The sad tale is that he probably could make 230 - 240 WHp on a dynojet with his RE even NA.

[TitaniumTT]

We will have that dyno war.. but only MC and I competing, that Motec powered FC of yours is a bit of a ringer...

Awe c'mon.... 15lbs of boost only puts me at a disadvantage :rofl:

I don't know... maybe we can run him N/A like half the epic road trip.

Hey now... I was only n/a for maybe 35% of the epic rd trip.

The sad tale is that he probably could make 230 - 240 WHp on a dynojet with his RE even NA.

Funny you should mention that... I have distant plans for an FB or an old school rotary... and it will be an n/a RE build :suspect:

[WE3RX7]

Soooo.... getting ready for the first autox of the season tomorrow and I'm under the car just checking things over, changing oil, etc... and I see what I thought was a pool of brake fluid under the driver side front suspension... Traced it back up the suspension and looked at the speed bleeders, brake line, brake line connections, etc... all dry.

Keep tracing it and its all down the backside of the JIC strut. Bad timing! Looks like my driver side strut is on its way out. I cycled the suspension after cleaning everything and dont see any more leaks so I'm not sure of the severity.. I plan to make the event tomorrow either way (its january and about 15 degrees, so I'm not worried all that much about having a stellar day.. just want to get the car shaken out from being in storage).

After the event, I guess I'm pulling the front struts and sending them off to get a rebuild. Should be good though since it gives me a chance to have them revalved specifically for my type of driving. We shall see...

Dont worry, I will still make the dyno day next weekend!

[TitaniumTT]

... and I see what I thought was a pool of brake fluid under the driver side front suspension... Keep tracing it and its all down the backside of the JIC strut. Bad timing!

After the event, I guess I'm pulling the front struts and sending them off to get a rebuild. Should be good though since it gives me a chance to have them revalved specifically for my type of driving. We shall see...

Dont worry, I will still make the dyno day next weekend!

At first I was like :eek:

Then I was like :squint:

Then I was :69::7::44::banghead::icon_no2:

Now I'm like :party::cheers2:

[WE3RX7]

Yea.. I'm not thrilled about it.. but the suspension has over 60k on it, DGRR trips and about 8 auto-x events on top of daily driving for about 6 months so it was time.

Not sure which seal is leaking though... will probably pull them off after our dyno day and check 'em out in more detail...

[WE3RX7]

Quickie update here too.

Talked to JIC, got my cust# to send the struts back and get rebuilt. Hopefully that will happen in the next few weeks (needs to so I can make DGRR).

Dyno day was "interesting" - learned a lot, and will be making a dedicated thread, perhaps an entire site, dedicated to the cobb and maps for the RX8.

Latest HP numbers are now 182whp / 141tq. Only about 1.3hp gained, but a decent 4-7tq. I was honestly expecting a bit more HP, but oh well.

I've acquired all the parts for my next upgrade. Driveline!

Mazdaspeed flywheel, counterweight and an EXEDY stage 2 clutch that's been on the shelf since April of last year,lol. I need to get a rear trans seal from mazda (mines leaking...again... this RX8 leaks more than any rotary I've owned).

http://www.findtuners.com/rx8/msfw_clutch.JPG

After the install, its back to a dyno to see if I can't catch 2gsl-se's 194whp pull!!

[2gslse]

OK its installed... its been 2 hours now where is the dyno runs?

[TitaniumTT]

You guys gonna bring a 3rd renni to see if you can top me with the BNR stg 3's singing @ 17-19lbs :rofl::)

Looks good Bill! You didn't happen to get a chance to call a certain someone that shares the same awesome first name as me regarding stopping things?

We still gotta figure out meetup times/place and dyno get togethers.... sorry for the jack, just got back from a place called burgers and beer..... they had they plurul/singular reversed in my case :rofl:

[TitaniumTT]

Oh, and when I see RX8 mini project, I keep waiting to see some little british thing rocking a renni

[WE3RX7]

Ha.. it's not so 'mini' I guess. Maybe I should call it "My RX8 dirty build" since a certain somebody says I need a "dirty" built car and this is the closest thing to it.

And no - I didn't get a chance to call him.. I got to MC's later than I expected and by the time I got home it was too late. I got 3 calls from clients though so the rx7 money train may be coming back around for a little while, lol...

[WE3RX7]

Ok, here's the "official" update.

Installed the resurfaced MS flywheel, counterweight and a stage II Exedy 3 puck clutch. Also wrapped the midpipe again since I wasn't happy with the original wrap job.

Pics:

Look TTT, it's a lift...
http://www.findtuners.com/rx8/rx8_rackedclutch.jpg

Counterweight in...
http://www.findtuners.com/rx8/msclutch_flywheel.jpg

Mmm, freshly resurfaced flywheel and 3 puck disc...
http://www.findtuners.com/rx8/msclutch_flywheel1.jpg

All buttoned up with a super secret custom alignment tool, lol...
http://www.findtuners.com/rx8/msclutch_flywheel2.jpg

Also re-wrapped the midpipe as my first midpipe wrap job was sub-par...
http://www.findtuners.com/rx8/wrapped_midpipe.jpg


Impressions thus far... 7/10. I've put about 100 miles on it now and its getting better but its a bit noisier than I remember the ACT puck clutches being but Exedy says 1500 miles and it should be good. I'm still fine tuning the engagement point as the initial pedal feel was terrible and I wasn't getting full disengagement.

Apparently during that whole process my neutral switch took a shit (or maybe its not plugged in, need to crawl underneath again and find out) so I've got a searching idle. Not a big deal, more of just an inconvenience.

Other than all that, its a great feel. The car definitely pulls through the gears quicker, my rear tires are really feeling the difference :) This should put me a bit closer to that 190whp goal now, lol.


Something else that was interesting... my rear pinion seal has leaked since I bought the car at 32k miles. Took it to Mazda to get them to replace under warranty and that stated they did, however, its still leaking. We expected the seal and MC noted an "up" and a "down" fitment on the seal, and well.. mine is upside down. So, either the car came from the factory with an upside down seal, thus the leak... or the Mazda dealership installed a new seal upside down... thus still leaking. I wasn't able to source a new one quickly enough for this job, so I'll order one up here and when I fix the neutral switch, I'll put the seal in too..

[TitaniumTT]

hrm..... from what I remember in my barely standing sleep deprived state... that's not your garage :suspect:

Either way, looks good man, I'm interested to see what she puts down with a little freed up unsprung weight. I still think one of us needs to do a back to back with the kickass QuickSilver coils that MC's rocking and the tiny little LS2 coils that you've got. I wouldn't be surprised if the coils were what put MC over the top. He was running the stock tune to give him the highest hp right?

[2gslse]

Yep stock ecu I still have my extra set of coils ready to run on that pesky FC if you want I'll bring them back to dave's just say the word. It is my dads shop but I use it whenever I need to use the lift, its nice to have a fully equipped shop at your disposal I need to learn how to weld since everything I would need is there except a tig and plasma cutter.

[TitaniumTT]

I dunno know if the pesky FC will allow us the time to tune and then swap coils. I have a bad feeling that we'll be mucking around with the tranny/driveshaft all day on the 16th, maybe get a little tuning in the low boost ranges but I doubt we'll be able to dial her in like I want to. I may have to head back the wednesday before we leave to get everything dialed in but we'll see. Worse comes to worst, oh no, we'll set up a seperate day to go play, maybe bring Rays up there as well.

That's badass that you have an entire lift at your disposal.... TIG and plasma are musts though!

I think Bill needs to build an adapter harness for his 8 so he can swap coils out and test the QuickSilvers, who knows, it might be enough to put him over the 194 mark

[WE3RX7]

Yup - MC was also running stock values. From what I can tell though, those quicksilver coils use very close to stock dwell values, whereas my LS coils dont. I left a lot on the table as far as potential for power out of those coils. I wont make that mistake the next time.

I'm not sure I'll dyno on the 15th honestly... may not have the clutch broken in yet. We'll see.. also want to make sure my neutral switch is fixed, etc before getting up there...

[2gslse]

I think someone is SCARED

lol... a good shop is great to have but its always a loaner so I don't want to do major drawn out things there so I reserve it for engine/trans swaps and then drag them back to my little garage with the bobcat

[TitaniumTT]

I agree, how hard is it to break a clutch in? Not to mention, leaving power on the table? The coils need to make power in order to leave some laying around, it is afterall a gm product....
And the real zinger... you are making the same mistake twice, you're bringing a renni to a hp/dyno fight :rofl:

[TitaniumTT]

I agree, how hard is it to break a clutch in? Not to mention, leaving power on the table? The coils need to make power in order to leave some laying around, it is afterall a gm product....
And the real zinger... you are making the same mistake twice, you're bringing a renni to a hp/dyno fight :rofl:

[WE3RX7]

How hard is it to post only once? lol...

Yea, I'll make an effort to actually drive the car some more between now and the 15th. I've only got 100 miles on the clutch, I'd like to get at least 250 before dyno runs, lol.

Need to get a new rear seal and neutral switch too. I'm half tempted to take it to work and drop it off at mazda and get them to replace it for free since its obviously a mess up on their end and should be warrantied.

To top it off, its SNOWING right now... really? Snow...

[TitaniumTT]

Its not me, its my phone! The seal I can understand and a puck clutch is kinda tough. From what I hear jersey got almost a foot of snow a few days ago.... looks like I picked a good time to come out here :rofl:

[2gslse]

Bill, its almost racing season for the 8 but I would like to see you do this http://www.dump.com/2011/02/24/unreal-control-on-honda-cbr600-video/:bowdown::bowdown:

[WE3RX7]

That's pretty damn awesome. I would've laid her down at least half a dozen times!


Update: Rear tires mounted/balanced. I got R-A-P-E-D on the mount/balance though. $85 for two wheels!! It used to be like $18/each but "prices have gone up". I could have taken it to the Ferrari dealership and paid less! Either way, they're on and look great. Its funny how much meat you don't notice has gone missing until you put new one on!

Rear brakes are bled too... tomorrow its the front tires, front calipers and oil change. Then pack and sleep to ready for DGRRXI at 6am Thursday morning!!

[2gslse]

Cool my alignment is done but roller will not be here on time so I'll be rolling on my BBS wheels and my old Falken 451's for the last time. See you tomorrow.

[WE3RX7]

Another small update, just because it burns me. So my wife called around to a few other tire shops to get a comparison price (just to make sure i'm not insane to think $40/tire is too high)...

So, yea... pretty much everybody was cheaper. The highest was $25. For shits and grins, she called the same chain in the next town over, they quoted $25. So she called the store I went to last night and asked them for a quote.. they quoted $50 a tire!!! When she told them that she just got off the phone with their other store for $25, they said they could "honor that price" but gave her a hard time and said they couldn't do it today because "their tire guy has gone home for the day..." ITS A TIRE SHOP!!!!

So long story short, they're fucked up. I called corporate, filed my complaint.. I'm sure they'll send me some kind of discount/coupon or something which I will gladly take back to the store with a big fuck you... now mount the tires for a NORMAL price and I promise I will never return :)


Down side is, I now only have two new tires on the car for DGRR.... oh well...

Rant over...

[WE3RX7]

Just giving a quick update since I was reading this and found my older post about mods I wanted before DGRR11. Considering the event was in April and its now May, lets see where I stand:

Tint (nope)
Clear corners (nope)
dyno (yup... dissappointed at 182whp, but picked up 4ft-lbs)
lower coilovers (nope... working on other adjustments at the moment)
roll fenders (nope, goes with the lower coilovers)
** mazdaspeed cai ** (still on the fence here)
CS 4pt front strut bar (nope)
install clutch (yup)
flywheel / counterweight (yup, mazdaspeed)
** recaro seat ** (nope, ended up w/ a Sparco)
** harnesses ** (not yet)
new tires (yup)
corner balance (nope, working on my own jig)
alignment (nope, working on my jig)
install rear strut adjusters (nope)
modify splash guards (nope)
spline drive lug nuts (nope)

Lol... that's a lot of "nope's". Its all good though, need to leave some things on the table so I have things to look forward to. Lets see 6 out of 17 completed! That would be a 35 "F". Good thing its not a class :)


On another note, got my alignment setup roughly done in my garage. Took some initial measurements and as I expected, the car is way out of balance.

I haven't done an alignment since all the suspension work so its not all that surprising.

Current specs are:
FL = 1/8" Toe in, 1.6~ negative camber
FR = 0" Toe, 2.3~ negative camber
RL = 1/8" Toe in, 2.3~ negative camber
RR = 1/8" Toe out, 1.5~ negative camber

As you can tell, the car is a bit out wack, lol. I could really tell with the new tires driving around the dragon!

I'm working on some new tools and polishing my measurements before making any adjustments. I want to read caster and corner weights as well, so I've got a few more things to do. Once its all done, its off to the professional laser machine to see how accurate my at-home setup is. Then its time to play with a few different setups...

[TitaniumTT]

Judging by your current trend.... I'll just go ahead and say I don't think your FC will be done by DGRR '12 either :rofl:

On that note..... gimme a call when you get a chance about the brakes for the rear of said never to be finished FC.... and on that FC note.... maybe your FC can be done by the time your FC is ready to drive? :smilielol5:

[WE3RX7]

Lol - I'm actually happy the RX8's list is so small. There really isn't much left I CAN do to the car minus FI or crazy body kits, etc. I'm going to finish up what I have on my list with maybe a few small items here and there and just enjoy beating it up on the track.

The FC project is definitely slow but I wouldn't say there isn't progress. I'll give you a call after this upcoming weekend. I may or may not have car funds left for this week, lol...

[TitaniumTT]

:rofl: Oh jeez..... more toys I presume?

Speaking of beating it up at the track.... I think you nee to get yer ass, and anyone with a black RX8, or a quickspooling FD :suspect: up to CT on Wednesday June 22nd for a little.... excuse me... ALOT of track fun @ Limerock on the 23rd :icon_tup:

[WE3RX7]

Just dropped an axial short shifter in. Feels much tighter. 5th gear is far easier to find than before although I feel 6th and 4th are closer now in exchange, so we'll see how it goes. Whatever cuts .01 seconds off my lap times, lol...


Also should have a new ram air duct, reflect-a-gold wrapped modified airbox soon... trying to keep consistent air temps (or at least more consistent) during track days.

Some new suspension parts coming soon too...

[WE3RX7]

Soooo.... just a quickie update here. First off, wanted to thank Danny at Assaultech for the new parts.... a great guy to buy from!!

As many of you who know me are aware, I've been limping around on some fairly weak dampers lately. The driver's side front went limp about 6-8 months ago, but still seemed driveable for the time being, even had some race days on it... then, I lowered the car a bit more, increased damping and had a track day at VIR... well, the passenger side was apparently doing all the front end's heavy lifting and this is what I had to show for it:

http://www.findtuners.com/rx8/blown_jic.jpg

Didn't have time prior to DGRR2012, so I took down the road anyways. On the trip, the rx8 achieved the loving nickname "cadillac". It was all I could do to maintain some driveability, although the oil was apparently hitting the tire on some left handed sweapers which made life a bit exciting...

SOOOO... being that I hope to be piloting the RX3 in most of the races next year, I decided it was time to step the RX8 down from "hardcore" racing setup to something a bit more refined for street driving and occasional HPDEs and Hyperdrives.

http://www.findtuners.com/rx8/koni_vs_oem.jpg

Went with the traditional Koni Yellow and TEIN S-Tech. The springs rates are much more tolerable on broken roadways and expansion joints than the JIC and the Koni damper, IMHO is a better damper than most anything else... especially worn out old JICS!!

http://www.findtuners.com/rx8/new_konis2.jpg
All done and ready for the car....


And done...
http://www.findtuners.com/rx8/new_konis.jpg

Overall I'm very happy. This setup will still let me finish out my NASA-X NXC run for this season and prove useful on future track days, but also give me the opportunity to enjoy the car more on my daily driving and potholes, lol...


Now, back to work on the RX3 and FC... hopefully some good headway on both in the next few months...

[WE3RX7]

Giving this thread a little update...

I finished the 2012 NASA-X Championships back in October. Received 1st in NXC and 3rd in Overall season points.
http://www.twitchyracing.com/wp-content/uploads/2012/10/nasa-xfinal_rx81.jpg

Then, I partook in a "end of year send-off" hyperdrive at VIR...

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=mIC0yq87pTw


So after a pretty full year (full for me) of track events and performance driving, my now aging RX8 is at 94K miles and its fair share of rash. I wanted to go through and do some upgrades and maintenance over the winter time.

Here's the winter list:
- Install new KOYO radiator
- Install new Samco coolant hoses
- Replace drive belts
- Rebuild and relocate coils (LS2 bracket I used before is breaking apart...)
- New plug wires and spark plugs
- New oil cooler lines (had to replace one already towards the end of the season)
- Relocate oil filter
- New front bumper
- "LeMans" styled headlight covers
- Fuel pump (2009 upgrade)
- Fuel filter
- Any vac hoses I find will be replaced with silicon
- New OEM rad fan

I'm currently swapping in the radiator now and discovered my rad fan is in the process of quitting on me, so I'm on hold until I locate a suitable replacement.

In general I want to clean up the engine bay as much as possible. Its pretty filthy in there now and I figure after all the maintenance this winter, I'm not going back in until the engine gives up which may be within the next 12-24 months knowing my luck, lol...

[WE3RX7]

Looks like some more repairs are in order. Have to replace my reinforcement bar now as well. In this process, I plan to repaint some of the under hood areas and rust-proof brackets, etc.

As its looking now, it'll be Feb before this car is on the road again!

As it sits now...
http://www.twitchyracing.com/wp-content/uploads/2012/12/rx8_repairs4.jpg


I did find a good deal on new radiator fans (OEM) so those should be here soon so I can at least complete the radiator swap portion of this winter project.

Next up is to get the new tie rods in, install new oil lines and coolers (OEM parts, no rust and coolers are in far better shape). Then modify the liners for the oil coolers and build a new undertray since mine has seen better days:

http://www.twitchyracing.com/wp-content/uploads/2012/12/rx8_bustedtray.jpg

Thinking of building a new one using ABS plastic for more strength (don't care for the aluminum versions out there). Might try and build a splitter into the mix as well, we'll see...

[TitaniumTT]

Looks like some more repairs are in order. Have to replace my reinforcement bar now as well. In this process, I plan to repaint some of the under hood areas and rust-proof brackets, etc.

As its looking now, it'll be Feb before this car is on the road again!

As it sits now...
I did find a good deal on new radiator fans (OEM) so those should be here soon so I can at least complete the radiator swap portion of this winter project.

Next up is to get the new tie rods in, install new oil lines and coolers (OEM parts, no rust and coolers are in far better shape). Then modify the liners for the oil coolers and build a new undertray since mine has seen better days:

http://www.twitchyracing.com/wp-content/uploads/2012/12/rx8_bustedtray.jpg

Thinking of building a new one using ABS plastic for more strength (don't care for the aluminum versions out there). Might try and build a splitter into the mix as well, we'll see...

That is still in way better shape than mine....

excuse me.... AL ones.... please point me in that direction via a link of some sorts :D

[TitaniumTT]

hmmmmmmmmmmmm..... I'll have to do a pre and post dyno with the 3" exhasut I plan on building in the next few weeks... what are your thoughts on power gain? Last time I dyno'ed the 8 it was @ 185 with some weak ass plugs and aging wires.... the makeshift replacement ones we threw on in June are still on there..... I think I'll swap plugs, rebuild the wires, I want to rewire the coils anyway, then I'll hit the dyno.... then I'll do the exhaust, then I'll dyno again.... what do you expect to gain going from a 2.5 to a 3"?

[WE3RX7]

I think its funny you are willing to build plug wires again :)

With the "fixes" you will hopefully be back at 194whp (I think thats right) although that busted cat may explain another reason you were down on the power last pull...

Going to larger 3" exhuast I'd expect to see you right at 198-200. That engine is still fresh and with the better exhaust it should make a few more.. that last RX8 made 198 or so up there with similar mods and weaker exhaust.


Side note... if I can get all these repairs done to the 8 in time, I'll jump up there about the time you're done with the new exhaust. I'd like to redyno and see if my engine is still healthy like before, lol. If it is, you'll be duplicating that 3" exhaust.

You putting any resonators in?

[WE3RX7]

The AL undertray:

http://www.rx8performance.com/products/aluminum-undertray

I plan on basically building this same part, but still just using ABS plastic because its a ton cheaper and lighter (yes, I know.. I'm a racer and weight matters, lol)... the ABS version will probably cost about $30, lol...

[TitaniumTT]

I think its funny you are willing to build plug wires again :)

I'm going to get drunk first or go pick up some whore to blow me while I build them...

With the "fixes" you will hopefully be back at 194whp (I think thats right) although that busted cat may explain another reason you were down on the power last pull...

It was 194 when MC was first up here.... however, the cat was fine back in June, it didn't break until a few weeks ago

Going to larger 3" exhuast I'd expect to see you right at 198-200. That engine is still fresh and with the better exhaust it should make a few more.. that last RX8 made 198 or so up there with similar mods and weaker exhaust.

Last RX8 had brandy new plugs an wires, as will I..... my engine has 35k on it now.... a far cry from the 500 or so MC had on it :rofl:

And it's still all stock.... I still have the unmarried Cobb sitting in the glovebox.... The cobblers son goes barefoot.

Side note... if I can get all these repairs done to the 8 in time, I'll jump up there about the time you're done with the new exhaust. I'd like to redyno and see if my engine is still healthy like before, lol. If it is, you'll be duplicating that 3" exhaust.

Luls.... I hope to be dynoing by the 18th of Jan ;) Then it's a fwe other quick fixes and hopefully into the barn by 2/1 That's the goal... then a efw weeks on the 'vert before I focus on the FC in late feb...... I doubt the FC or the 'vert will be making it to DGRR this year... just too much to do....

You putting any resonators in?

Yeah..... 3" magnaflow right after the cat and and then 2 3" Magnaflows in the rear.

The AL undertray:

http://www.rx8performance.com/products/aluminum-undertray

I plan on basically building this same part, but still just using ABS plastic because its a ton cheaper and lighter (yes, I know.. I'm a racer and weight matters, lol)... the ABS version will probably cost about $30, lol...

Kewl.... but it's actually the stock vertical pieces and front lip that I'm REALLY looking for.... need to find a pair of used ones then I'll build that AL tray myself....

[WE3RX7]

Ah - f that schedule, lol.. being the holidays most of the parts I ordered are on hold / in transit still... it'll be Feb before I get the car off jackstands at this rate..

I dont think my FC is making DGRR either, lol. There has been good progress but parts are becoming difficult to find!

[diabolical1]

So she called the store I went to last night and asked them for a quote.. they quoted $50 a tire!!! When she told them that she just got off the phone with their other store for $25, they said they could "honor that price" but gave her a hard time and said they couldn't do it today because "their tire guy has gone home for the day..." ITS A TIRE SHOP!!!!

LOL! bloody priceless!

[WE3RX7]

Just updating this thread. Most of the winter projects went well. Car has been running good all season with a few events already under it's belt. I do need to replace the coolant overflow res though as the sensor has gone bad (a common issue for the early RX8s.. throws the radiator/coolant light intermittently).

Here's a list of what's been completed recently:
- Installed new KOYO radiator
- Installed new Samco coolant hoses
- Replace drive belts with Gates Racing belts
- Rebuilt and relocated coils (I may do a small write-up regarding this as there are some simple things you can do to make life easier if you use LS2 coils or any aftermarket coil).
- New plug wires and spark plugs
- Replaced both oil coolers and all oil lines with OEM units
- Installed a new OEM radiator fan and shroud as my original one was failing
- Installed TEIN hood struts
- Started on a new crash bar
- Installed new inner and outer tie rods

Basically it was a cooling system overhaul and few maintenance items I wanted to attend to. The car runs really well right now.

Right now I'm playing with some alignment settings trying to dial the car in a bit more but so far it's been a blast. The R1Rs from Toyo are holding up extremely well and will probably make it through the season and some of next without issue.

My next plans are to finish my new crash bar, install the new front bumper and undertray, add more ducting, modify a factory hood to assist in heat extraction and get a new fuel pump/filter assembly installed. I also have new exhaust to include a speedsource header that needs to get installed. Once this is ALL done, I'll probably begin sourcing a fresh engine to begin a new build with it as I want to give porting a renesis a try....

Here are some photos of the car from over the last few months.
http://www.twitchyracing.com/wp-content/uploads/2013/07/WP_000801.jpg
http://www.twitchyracing.com/wp-content/uploads/2013/07/WP_000850.jpg
http://www.twitchyracing.com/wp-content/uploads/2013/07/WP_000859.jpg
http://www.twitchyracing.com/wp-content/uploads/2013/07/WP_000799.jpg

Here's one from an event last March. I was giving a ride to a member of a BRZ club that had come out to learn about auto-xing their cars, it was pretty fun. In this shot, I demonstrate how to clip the last cone coming through a Chicago box.
http://www.twitchyracing.com/wp-content/uploads/2013/07/rx8_conesmash_1.png

Side note, only one BRZ bested my runs that day and it was piloted by another long time auto-xer and good guy so I wasn't too upset :)